Agag How doom'd me dead O name not such another fatal Word Spare spare my Life and all the Treasures I have hid when first the Rumour of the dreadful War alarm'd my affrighted coast are â—t your service Samuel Your Treasure perish with you not all the 〈◊〉 of the Vniverse shall rescue you from Death Agag O draw not draw not in this rage your 〈…〉 Sword Consider I am a Man a Father 〈◊〉 â—onarch Seest thou not what Robes of 〈◊〉 adorn me seest thou not this awful Circle 〈◊〉 o're with Gems This Scepter at whose wave the Princes cring'd and kiss'd the dust seest not him to whome a thousand knees were wont to â—end him on whose Breath dependeth Life and Death now prostrate on the ground imploring 〈◊〉 for himself Samuel All this I see and as far as humane fr ailâ—â— can bear sway am moved yet must not dare not 〈◊〉 not disobey my God Agag O! consider once again that my Mother 〈◊〉 a Queen in distant Lands O think what grief will be to her to hear her only Son is slain Samuel In vain is all you urge and this last â—aying whets my Anger more when I consider how your blood-bedaubed Hands have made the Nations mourn how your destroying Sword has raised the Widdows cries and tender Infants sighs lo the many slaughters you have made in Jacob's borders rendred thousands câ—ildless wherefore the self same Fate be on the Womb that bare you whilst thus thus I execute Gods wrath on thy pernicious Head Agag Oh Oh I 'm slain I 'm slain I that have scaped a thousand deaths in battel tamely fall a Victim to the Zealous Fury of an inraged Prophet Samuel Thus what Saul left undone my aged hand finished and atton'd for Jacobs Land A Dialogue between David Saul and Goliah upon their Incounter The Argument David Anointed King of Jacobs Seed Hastes to the Camp of Saul with swiftest speed And undertakes to fight the mighty Foe Who with proud boasting forty days durst show His monstrous Bulk defying Israels Host But David with a sling soon quells his Boast Saul SPeak speak young Stripling is it as my Captain has related darest thou that art but a Youth Expose thy self against this Monster that defies my Host. David My Lord I dare though not presuming on the Arm of flesh but totally relying on the Living God who has delivered me from the devouring Rage of 〈◊〉 and of Bears nor dare I now doubt the assistance of his power to bâ—ing low the haughty Pride of this bold Philistine that has defied tbe Armies of the living God Saul Bold is your Spirit and your courage brave the two first steps to Glorious Actions shine in you but yet consider he 's a man of War mighty in strength and dreaded by the most â—edoubted Captain of the Israelites David Great King did I rely on my own strength I must confess his monstrous shape might dash my resolution but his strength on whom the high success depends is capable by meanest things to quell the mighty and bring low all strength and power with him there 's nought impossible Saul Spoke like a Champion worthy to subdue the world A Champion on whose Head your King will stake the Diâ—dem of Israel my Armour there so put it on and gird your self in Walls of shining Steel to fit you for the danger David Alas my Lord it needs not for with these few stones I 'le quell your Foe and make him kiss the the humble Plain Saul Braver in bold resolutions still Well go thou worthy and be prosperous may the bright Minister of Heaven protect you from his rage and make him fall before you David All thanks great King and may the God Iacob prosper you while thus your Servant posteth to assured Victory David and Goliah come near each other Ha ha ha how am I moved to laughter when I think the King of Israel in forty days could find no fitter man than this to fight me sure this unarmed Stripling is but sent to mock me as imagining when he has teized me with some Railery to run away and escape my following fury by reason of my heavy Armour David Why laughs the Monstrous Philistine why with wide Iaws dare he disdain my youth knew I no other God than Moloch and accursed Dagon I should not come resolved to the Combat Gol. How to the Combate Knowest thou with whom poor youth thou art to fight Hast thou not heard of the sad Slaughters I have made how this powerfull hand has broke through the affrighted Squadrons of the Foe and mowed with Whirlwinds Fury on each side cutting through Groves of Spears a bloody way to Victory till hâ—â—ps of slain have â—ali'd me in and thinkest thou with a Staff to drive me hence May Moloch and great Dagâ—â— blast thy foolish thoughts Dav. Not all the bloody deeds thou hast done can fright the Son of Jesse nâ—r once dismay the Man that hâ—t avow'd to viâ— oppressed Israel of so great a curb that henceforth haughty man may not so boldly trust in Arms of Flesh. Gol. Why hoverest thou then round me at this rate and shunnest my fury art afraid to come within my reach Come to me and I will give thy Flesh to the Fowls of the Air and to the Beasts of the Field Tear thee in ten thousand pieces and thy scattered Limbs set up as Trophies of my Victory in all the Coasts of Israel when this fatal Sword has made its Monarch stoop to the Philiâ—â—â—nes yoke Dav. In vain are all thy unregarded Threats Aâ—though thou comest to me with a Sword â— Spear and Shield and I to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts the God of the Armies of Israel whom thou hast defied Gol. O how hot is my revenge To what a height boils up my ragiâ—g Fury O that thou wert this moment in my reach how would I toss thee in the Air and pash thy falling Body on the Rocks Dav. I 'll not be long e're I advance to tâ—y destruction for this day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hands and I will smite thee and take thine head from thee and I will give the Carkasses of the Philistines this day unto the Fowls of the Air and to the wild Beasts of the Earth that all the Earth may know there is a God in Israel and all this Assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with Sword and Spear and he will give it into our hands Gol. I 'll not endure this longer but chastize thy Insolence with flaming Steel whose very touch shall make thee fly in sunder Dav. Nor will I fail to meet your utmost fury and thus I 'll thunder on â—our lofty Front and bring you to the ground Gol. O horrour Death and Ruine what dark Mist is this benights my Eyes what dreadful bolt on flaming Wings thrown by some envious power â—as thus o'rethrown the great Goliah and laid all his Trophies level with the dust Dav.
Goâ— of Love and this love would be Capâ—ive if it had noâ— Sâ—lliâ—s and Ejaculations It was not saâ—isfied to râ—main in thee by eminence and as it were in the source of beauty and goodnâ—ss but having made its solâ—s wiâ—â—in its sâ—â—f by numberlâ—ss revolutions it must d scend upâ—â— external objects to attain that effect and property which is natural to Love Well thâ—n Creatures come sorth of the Mass in whiâ—h you lye coâ—fused â—eâ—ven Earth Sea Stars Treeâ— Fiâ—hes Furnaces of Fire and Flames vast â—xtents of Air Clouds Abyâ—es Prâ—cipices listen to the voice and Command of Goâ— But in fine this glorious and happy moment which saw the birth of times and seasons being arrived From that instant the World was chosen as the blanck Tablâ— whâ—râ—on God resolved to draw the first stroaks of his gooâ—ness First Heaven Earth Water and Darkness appeared in an instant as the Field on which all the effects of a most Amorous and sage Wisdom and Prodigality were to be displayed It was before any other thing that this tenebrous Compound this confused Medley and this heap of Water and Earth was the object of him who alone was able to chase away its shadows and convert its dust into Gold and Cristall This is the Throne on which the Title of Soveraign Monarch and Lawgiver shall be seen ingraved But what This Theater is too obsâ—ure to behold therein the Birth of the World we must expect the Aurora and the rayes of the day But by the way Kind Reader let me tell thee that The World is a Book in Folio Printed all With Gods great Works in Letters Capital Each Creature iâ— a Page and each effect A Fair Character voiâ— of all defect But as young Trewants trying in the Schools Instead of Learning learn to play the Fools We gâ—ze but on the Babyes and the Cover The gaudy Flowers and Edges Gilded over And never further for our Lesson loâ—k Within this Volumn of the Various Book Where learned nature modest ones instructs That by his Wisdom God the World conducts CHAP. II. Giving an account of the Work of the siâ— dayes Of the Creation NAture awake it is time for the Worâ—â— to rise the Night hath proceeded and twelve hours are as it wâ—re alreadâ— past since Heaâ—en and Earth have been in obsâ—â—â—ity Behold the break of day and those delightfull Colours which play upon the Waters are the Companions of thaÌ„t light which in Paâ—estine hath already opened the Doors and Windows of the East and is going to spread it self upon another Hemisphear Nevertheless to finish this Carriere to perfect this course and to round the whole Globe twelve hours more are required and then counting from Evening till Morning and from Morning till Evening you shall find all the Moments which form the first day a glorious day a day illustrious for having first received the light which gives glory and splendor to all dayes The second day was not less glorious For it was that in which God chose to raise up the Firmament like a Circle of Brass or rather like a Globe of Gold and Azure which might serve to divide the seven Orbes of the Planets from the Empereal Heaven The next day God descended from Heaven upon Earth and it was on this day he marked out bounds and limits to Rivers Streams Seas and Torreâ—ts so that the Waters retyring some on one side and some on the other just as they were shut up within their Banks Clifts and Chanels the Earth appeared and immediatly her sides were found pierced with Caverns and her back loaden with Mountains and Rocks which rais'd her in a stately mannâ—â— Instantly her entrals were filled with Stones and Metals and â—hilst those four great portions of the Earth which divide the World and all the Islands of the Ocean and Seas were Levelled to serve for Empires and possessions of men the hand of God as just as liberal did in the bosom of the Earth uphold the Arches of her Prisons and Dungeons to the end that if the Paradice of Eden was a Garden of delights and pleasures Hell on the contrary might be an abode of dread horror and Misery It was likewise very convenient that as God had mixed Light witâ— Darkness he should create Wild places and desartâ— to render the Gardens Fields and Meadows more delightful and finally having the very same day given Plants Herbs and Flowers for an Ornament to the Earth his wise Providence mingled Thorns with Roses and the most wholesome 〈◊〉 sprung out of the same soyl with the Mandraâ—â— and Aconite The fourth day having bin as it were the Chariot of the Sun Moon Stars and Planets which shine in the Heavens may in some manner be called the day of days since it hath bin the Origin of the fires brightness and flames which are the Soul of the Day Then were the frozen and condensed waters gathered together with more light and heat to form the Body of the Planets Next the Sun Moon anâ— Stars began their courses periods and revolutions and took the tracks and ways which were traced out to them from East to Wâ—st Let us turn them upon the Fift dâ—y wherein God created the Birds which fly in the Air and the Fishes which swim in the Water One must hear represent unto his thoughts some fair Summers day and imagine that he sits in the cool upon the shore of some Island from thence he must lift up his eyes towards Heaven and behoÌ„ld over head thousands of little feathered bodies cleaving the Air with their wings piercing the Clouds and mingling with their flight the sweet Harmony of their warblings He must afterwards behold at his Feâ—t a River full of Fishes armed with Scales some of which â—ut thâ—ir way neeâ— the surface of the water and others through the midst of the waves some swim aloâ—t against the stream and Current others are carryed down at the pleasure of the winds and by the favour of so sweet and rapid an Element Scarce had the Morning brought news of the arrival of the Sixt day but at the same instant the Earth openeâ— her eyes unto her Suâ— and her ears unto the voice of her God This dull heavy and insensible Mass not satisfied to have brought sorth Flowers Plants and Trees yet farther displaid it self to produce all sorts of â—eaâ—ts and Animâ—ls beholâ— the World in her Cradle aâ—d Nature in her Infancy the unmoveable Earth round about her Center is sown with Flowers tapistrâ—d with Turâ— and Virdures beautified with Woods and Forrests she is sâ—ately in her Mountains pleasant in her Valleys delightful in her Meadows She is rich in hâ—r Mâ—tals â—ertill in her Fruâ—ts and plentifull by her Rivers and Seas which inviron her on all parts and form her a thousanâ— liquid transpaâ—ences The Air incompasses her on all â—ides anâ— serves her â—â—r a veil to tempâ—r thâ— over-huâ—â—d influences of the Moon and the too arâ—ent
Râ—yâ— of the Sun The Heavens like peâ—dent Roofs and rowling Arâ—hes are strewed with Flâ—wers Emeraulâ—s and Rubies What doth remain aftâ—r all these Prodigies of Power and all these works of Love O Power O Love I cannot condemn his fancy who saiâ— thâ—t Love produced Heaven out of a Chaos and the World in six days out of a confused and undisgested Lump Nâ—t â—ut God câ—uld have in a â—emâ—rt made This Flowry Mâ—nsion where Man-kind doth Trade Spread Heav'ns blue Curtens and those Laâ—ps have Burnisht Earth Air and Sea with Beasts Birds Fish â—ave 〈◊〉 CHAP. III. Wherein you have an account of the Creation of Adam Gen. 2. Yet still there wants a Creature which may Over these Sensless Beasts have Rule and Sway God tâ—â—n makes Man with Face towards the Sky He 's the true likeness of the Deitiâ— GOD now deliberates upon the enterprise of a Noble Work and the Counceâ—â— is held in the Conclave of the most holy Triâ—iâ—ie the three Persons are assembled Power Wisdom and Love take thâ—ir seats near the Paradiâ—e of Eâ—â—n Anâ— it is concerning Man and hiâ— Creation and not concerning those proud and Rebelliâ—us Spirits whose shamefuâ—l revolt have justly expel'd them from the Heavâ—nly Iâ—rusalem that the â—ecree iâ— past it is on him God Refâ—ected and it is he who must be substituted in the place of Angels It is thiâ— Act which makes the World behold Gods Mâ—ster-piece the object of his Favours and the most glorious term of his Power O Sun stop here thy Course and 〈◊〉 witness of his Birth who hâ—th bin the cause and end of thine It was as I conceive about high Noon when the Earth was resplendent with Light that this Animated Sun was born Iâ— was by the Light of Natures greatest Bonâ—ire that God vouâ—hsafed to stoop so low as Earth to take Clay out of which he formed the Body of the first Man Now of all Creâ—tures which God did makâ— Man was the last thaâ— living â—â—â—ath did takâ— Not that he was the least or that God durst Not undertake so Noble a Work at first Rather because he should have made in vain So great a Prince without on whom to Reign A wise Man never brings his biâ—den Guests Into his Parlour till his Room be drest Garnish'd with Lights and Tables neatly spread Be with full Dishes well nigh furnished So our great God who bounteous ever keeps Here open Court and th' ever-bound lesse-deeps Of sweetest Nectar Onus still distills By twenty times ten thousand sundry Quills All the admirable Creatures made beforn Which Heaven Earth and Ocean do Adorn Are but Essayes compâ—red in every part To this Divinest Master-piece of Art Therefore the supream Peerlessâ— Architect When of meer nothing he did first erect Heav'n Earth Air and Seas at once his thought His word and deed all in an instant wrought But when â—e would his own selfs Type Create Th' Honor of Nature th' Earths Sole Potentate As if he would a Council hold he Citeth His Sacrâ—d Power his Prudence he inviteth Summons his Love his Justice he adjourns Calleth his Goodnesse and his Grace returns To as it were consult about the Birth And building of a second God of Earth And each a part with liberal hand to bring Some excellence unto so rare a thing Or rather he consulâ—s with 's only Son His own pourtrait what proportion What Gifts what Grace what Soul he should bestow Vpon his Vice-Roy of this Realm below When th' other things God fashiâ—n'd in their kind The Sea t'abounâ— in Fishes he assign'd The Earth in Flocâ—s but having man in haâ—d His very self he seemed to Command He both at once both life and Body lent To other things but when in Man he meant In Mortal Limbs immortal life to place He seem'd to pause as in a weighty cause And so at sundry moments finished The Soul and Body of Earth's glorious head And now Adam and Eve too who was yet to be formed out of one of Adams Ribs must be the causes of our Good or Evil and on their good or bad Fortune ours must wholy depend CHAP. IIII. Giving a Pleasant account of the Terrestial Paradice or Garden of Eden in which Adam was first plac'd together with thâ— miraculous manner of Eves production with the supposed manner of Adams firsâ— nuptiall addresses to her and of their joyfull Marriage Gen. 2. In Edens Garden full of fruitfull Trees Adam is placed to tast all Fruits he sees Except the Fruit of one Tree which if he Do tast the forfeit is that he must die Scarce was Adam created but he found himself a Paradice and he even from the Morning his birth was placed under the most happy and dâ—lightfull Clymate that Nature did afford Goe then Adam it is God who both calls and câ—â—ducts thee Enter happily this Garden of Eden 〈◊〉 Paradise into which he leads thee put thy self 〈◊〉 the shelter of this Tree For it is the Tree of Knowledge and immortality which he hath Planted for thee Divert thy Eyes upon these Tulips upon these Gilli-flowers upon these Roses upon these Purple Velvet flowers and upon these Lillys walk thou over the Daffidill over the Thyme over the Camomyle and over this green Tapestry which is so odoriferous be not affrighted at the sight of thâ—se Tygers these Leopards and of all these more furious Beasts For God â—ath given thee power to Rule them and there is noâ— one in whom thy Innocence begets not respect Take then the Rod into thy hand and Govern all these Flocks and Heards imâ—ose Laws on them and Give them whaâ— Names thou pleasest Doubtless when Adam Saw our Common Air He did admire the mansion rich and fair Of his Successors for Frosts keenly Cold The Shady Locks of Forrests had not pol'd Heav'n had not Thundred on our Heads as yet Nor given the Earth her sad divorces Writ But when he once had entred Paradise The Remnant World he justly did despise Much like a Boor far in the Countrey Born Who never having seen but Kine and Corn Oxen and Sheep and homely Hamlâ—ts Thatcht Which found he counts as Kingdoms hardly matcht When afterwards he happens to behold Our wealthy Lonâ—on's wonders manifold The silly peasant thinks himself to be In a new World and gazing greedily One while he Art-less all the Arts admires Then the fair Temples and the Top-less Spires Their firm Foundations and the maâ—â—ed Pride Of all the sacred Ornaments be side Anon he wonders at the differing Graces Tongues guests Attires the Fashions the Faces Of-â—usie-buzzing Swarâ—s which still he meets Ebbing and Flowing over all the Streets Then at the Signs the Shops the Weights thâ— Measures The Handy-crafts the Rumors Trades and Treasures But of all Sights none seems him yet more strange Then the rare beauteous sttately rich Exchange Another while he marvels at the Thames Which seems to bear huge Mountains on her Streams Then at the fair built Bridge which he doth
sinks the whole World even as low as Hell lifteth him up even as high as the Heavens Range then O Noah range upon the Waters â—f the Deluge and expect the day and momentâ— wâ—en God shall land thee in the Haven And thou O Ark that carryest the World and its Spoyls behold how the Sea makes a halt at thy approaâ—h and keeps back its suspended Waves as it were out of complâ—â—ency and an orderly respect Holy Housâ— of God Fortunate Sanctuary of all Mankind Float on without Oars or Sayles float on for it is the Spirit of God and the hand of the justest of men which directs and Guides thee In effect scarce were the Forty days expired when in an instant the Heavens dried up their sources the air appearded most serrene and the great drops of Rain were turned into Pearls and Dew as it were to give notice of the return of the Sun and Morning At length after seven Months contest and conflict this wandring Island which carried Noah and his Family landed upon the Mountains of Armenia expecting till the tenth Month when the other Hils shew'd their heads tops Forty dayes after which this most Holy and wise Pilot who had almost spent a whole year in the pleasing obsâ—urities of his prison still victorious and triumphaâ—t resolv'd at last to opâ—n its window to give flight and pâ—ssage to a Grow which indeed went forth but never returned There needed then a purer and more faithfull Messenger Noah chose a Dove amongst all the Birds that she might discover whether the waters were quite retirâ—d But this innocent Creature and aâ—iable Spye finding no resting place clean enough reâ—urned presâ—ntly into the Ark and advertis'd Noah that the waters of the Deluge were not wholly deâ—reased It was this news that obliged Noah to expect yet the space of Seaven dayes after which he took the Dove again and instantly gave her leave to take her Liberty and Flight Noah in expectation stands one while himself â—n other some one of his Children at the Window to see whether this Angel of peace would return or no. Behold good news the Dove is returned I have a glimse of her with the Olive-branch she carries in her Beak Noah what say'st thou Make hast I pree-thee Receive this little Legaâ— and take from his mouth the earnest of peace And if thou hast a mind tâ— have more certain assurances the term of seven dayeâ— will put a period to all thy desires And as soon as the seaven dayes were expired Noah cast out again the Dove to the mercy of the Waters of the Air and Earth where having at lasâ— sound footing she resolv'd to abide Gen. 8. The Heavenly Flood-Gates are shâ—t and the Wiâ—d Dries up the Waters the Dove Land doth find The Ark's aground Noah doth come â— Sâ—ore God promiseth to drownd the World no more Noah seeing what had passed uncover'd the roof of his Ark and presently perceived the Earth the Islands the Haven the Fields and the dryedup wayes He heard God also commanding him to depart out of the Ark with all his Company that he might re-people the universe And here I leave it unto the curious to imagin what pleasure Noah had at the opening of his Cage when he saw Eagles Vultures Austridges and all Birds take their flight following the track which was to carry them unto their own Climate God knows also how the Sheep fled far from the Wolâ—e the Lyon from the Coâ—k the Hare â—rom the Dog which nevertheless by secret and devine charms held in the Ark a Correspondence without Noyse War or Enmity In sine during this Iayle delivery and these separations Noah was carefull not to do like Seafaring men who during the Storm and Tempest invoke all the Saints of Paradise and make a thousand vows unto them which nevertheless they perform not in the Haven and calm but by an infinity of Blasphemies and by the continuation of their Impieties Scarce was this eminent Man chosen by God for the conservation of the World descended out of the Ark but he instantly built an Altar on which he offered Holocausts and victimes in honor of him who had so sweetly and by such marvellous wayes conducted him to the shore and harbour It is then peradventure for this cause God promiseth unto men and Noah that the Earth shall be no more accursed for their sake He assures them that his revenging hand shall never take the Rod so universally to scourge all sinners that from henceforth Winter and Summer Cold and Heat Day and Night shall have their courses periods motions and vicissitudes with order and by regular intervals In all the compass of our floating Inns Are not so many Planks and Boards and Pins As Wonders Strange and Miracles that ground Mans wrangling reason and his wills confound And God no less his mighty power display'd When he restor'd then when the World he made CHAP. VIII Giveing an account of the Rain-Bow in the Heavens Wieh God promised should appear after the Flood as a sign that he would drownd the World no more GOD resolving to confirm the Oath and Covenant he had made with Noah was so good and gratious as to imprint the Seal of his contract in the Clouds to the end the malice of men might never be able to efface it and that on the contrary he might be oblig'd never to make war against them when he should see between him and the World those illustrious characters of Love and those magnificent Articles of truce pardon and peace Moreover this sign which appeared in the Heavens was but a Bow without Arrows it was a resplendent Arch and a Circle beset with Diamonds Emeraulds and Rubies it was a chain of Gold Silver and Pearls it was a Scarf interwoven with the most lively splendors and the most sensible lights of the Sun and Day It was the portraict of Peace which appeared under feign'd and imaginary colours or to express in a word all that can be thought and said when we cast our Eyes on this wonder of the Air it was the Diadem which St. Iohn discover'd on the Head of Almighty God and which therefore was to be for all eternity the Crown of a God who can never change but will everlastingly conserve this Garland and Diadem of peace From henceforth fear no second Flood that shall Cover the whole face of the Earthly Ball. CHAP. IX Giveing an account of Noahs being over taâ—en with Wine Gen. 9. Naked and Drunk a sleep Cam Noah saw He mocks and jeers him against natures Law Sem and Japheth cover his nakedness Cam he doth curse Sem and Japheth doth bless IT is true that Men were never more at Peâ—ce the Earth never more pure and Heaven never powred down so many savours as it shed upon the Earth and the Children of Noah Nevertheless in the mid'st of Pleasure Peace Concord Love Joy and all sorts of Benedictions this poor Man whom all the Waters of the
World and of the Deluge could not vanquish was drown'd at last in a Glass of Wine O God! What scandall what shame what disquiet and what disorder in the Family of Noah This good old Man fell cold and stiff on the ground and it is not known whether he be dead or alive His Children run presently to help him but as if the sâ—â—ne of the Wine which their Father-had taken too inconsiderately had dazel'd and blinded the youngest of them instead of casting ashes and Water on the Flaming Coals which consum'd his poor Father he made a Bone-fire of Mirth and scorn about his Nakedness And with an unparalleld impudence discover'd to the Eyes of all his Brethren what Nature hath concealed His Brothers nevertheless were more respectfull and prudent than himself For immediatly Piety cast veyls over their Eyes and Love though Blind found out Artifices to cover an Object which was neither decent nor Lawfull to behold It was in recompence of these chast duties that Noâ—h being returneâ— out of that Abyss into whiâ—h Wiâ—e had precipitated him open'd the Eyes of his Boâ—y and Soul and aâ—terwards perceiving the unnatural impudence of Cham he darted forth the Thunder of his malediction against his Son Canaan beseeching likewise God to bless and fill Sem Iaphet and all their Progeny with his Graces It was from their Posterity all the Generations of the World are descended and they were the Persons who laid the foundation of Sodom Ninivie Salem and Gomorrha as also of so many other Famous Cities from whence afterwards Arts â—epublicks Policies Governments and all the Empires of the Universe took their Rise Noah being willing to beguile the rage of bitter griefs that vext his feeble age To see with Mud so many Roofes o're grown And him left almâ—st in the World alone One day a little from his strictness shrunk â—nd making Merry drinking over Drunk Aâ—â— silly thinking in that Honey-â—aâ—l To drown his woes he drowns his wits and all His Head grows giddy and his Foot inâ—ents A mighty fâ—me his troubled brain tormenâ—s His idle poattle from the purpose quite Is abrupt Suttering all confusd ' and light His Wine stuft Stomach wrung with Wine he feels His trembling Tent all topsey turvey wheeles At last not able on his Legs to stand More like a foul Swine then a sober Man Opprest with Sleep he wallows on the Ground His shameless snorting Trunk so deeply dround In self Oblivion that he did not hide Those parts that Caesar covered when he dy'd CHAP. X. Giveing a full account of the Building of the Tower of Babel Gen. 11. To Build up Babel Adams Race decree As high as Heaven what passeth there to see God gives them Diverse Tongues their thoughts to cross One calls for Morter and one bringeth Mosse SO it happened not long after this that the Inhabitants of the Earth feeling the Justice of their own Consciences and they not calling upon God they feared the comming of another Deluge so they resolv'd to build a Tower and raise the top of it even as high as the Clouds The chief Undertaker of this famous Structure was the Gyant â—â—mrod Grandchild to that Reprobate Cham who discovered his Fathers shame This Architect was of a proud Nature and of a Capricious humour believing that his enterprises and his designs were to be executed without the least opposition In effect never was any work undertaken and advanced with more Expedition nor with more Ardor Zeal and Submission But the Grand designer of the World the Architect of the Universe and the generall Producer of all things who takes delight to confound the Wisdom of the Wiâ—e and to overthrow the Plots and Enterpriâ—es of the most Powerfull beholding these Fortifications rais'd neer mid-way and being able no longer to endure this Audacity and these presumptuous Attempts resolv'd at last to overturn all these Fortâ— and to cast a generall confusion of Tongues amongst the Carpenters and Masons This made a Tower of Babel that is to say of Disorder War and Confusion This Stately Building this lofty Cittadell this impregnable Fort was but a Labyrinth of deaf and dumb people who spake without hearing one another cry'd out when it was not in any mans power 〈◊〉 help them Bring me quoth one a Trowâ—l quickly quick One brings him up a Hammer Hew this Brick Another bids and then they cleave a Tree Makâ— fast this Rope and then they let it flee One calls for Planks another Mortar lacks They bring the first a Stone the last an Ax One would have Spikâ—s and him a Spade they give Aâ—othâ—r asks a Saw and gets a Sâ—ive Thâ—s croslâ—-â—râ—st thâ—y praâ—e and point in vain What â—ne haâ—h maâ—e aâ—â—ther Mars again Niâ—h Brâ—â—â—â—lâ—ss all with tâ—â—ir confused yawling In 〈◊〉 lâ—bour now begins appawling In Briâ—f thâ—se â—lâ—â—â—rs sâ—einâ— the Storm arriv'd Of Gods jâ—st Wrath all weâ—k 〈◊〉 Heart depriv'd Forsâ—ke their purpose and like Frantick Fools Scatter thâ—ir stuff and tumble down their Tools Behold the Enterprises and Designs of the World Behold the Structure of the Gyants of the Earth and the Sanctuary of their Pride Vanity of this World Glory of a few dayes Phantasms of the Earth seeming beauties Men what doe you think and why I beseech you so many Houses so many Castles Cities and Villages cast your Eyes on the Tower of Babel and dread at least the fate of the like disastâ—r Finally then make your Wills Ingrave your Epitaphs seek out six or seaven Foot of Earth and from henceforth think only on erecting your Tombs Go consult your Ancestors your Fathers and Masters cast your selves at their Feet enter into their Sepulchers search into the bottom of their Monuments and be not affrighted to behold so many ravell'd Crowns so many broken Scepters and so much Purple serving only to cover Worms CHAP. XI Giveing a full account of Abrahams departure out of his Territorâ—es and his entriâ—g into the Fields of Moreth where he erected an Altar and where God appeared to him a second time Gen. 12. Abraham to obey the Loâ—ds Command Forsakâ—s his naâ—ive Soyl for Canaans Land His Parents leaves lik wise and takes away With him Wife Servants and Lot without stay NOw it was by the Favour and Splendor of conquering Lights and Victorious voices that Abraham was chosen amongst Men as the Person who would be the most obedient most faithfull and most conformable to the will of God And now it was as we may suppose by means of an Angel cloathed with an humane Body that Abraham heard distinctly the Voice of God which said unto him Abraham It is time to leave thy Countrey and Kindred and to abandon thy Fathers House Follow me then and repair unto a Land and under a Clymate which I will shew thee every where I will be thy Star thy Pole and my Eye shall serve as a Guide and Torch to conduct thee to thy Haven and Landing-place Well then Abraham get
thee out of thine own Countâ—â—y leave all thy Friends and break those many tyes which Blooâ— hath woven in thy Veins and Heart The Milk thou hast suck'd is from hence forth no other than pâ—â—son the Nourishment 〈◊〉 hast received from tâ—y Parents doth but sustain thy Body and stifle thy Soul In sine the Light anâ— Brightness of Heaven cannot be seen amiâ—st the Shades and Smoak of thy Countrey But what must poor Abraham leave himself O my God! why dost thou oblige him to forsake â—is beloved Chaldea and why woulâ—st thou have him separate himself from his near Kindreâ— and dearest Friends He wants nothing at home and it may come to pass that every thing will sayl him amongst Strangers Alas saiâ— Abraham must I needs â—orgoe Thâ—se happy Fielâ—s where Euphraâ—es doâ—h slow Here I have spenâ— the â—â—st parâ— of my Age Hâ—re I possâ—ss a plenteous 〈◊〉 Here have I â—ot me many Friâ—nds and Fame Anâ— by my Dâ—eâ—s attâ—ind a glorious Name And must I hâ—nce anâ— leâ—ve tâ—is certain State To Roam unâ—ertain 〈◊〉 a Runagate O're fearfull Hills and thorough forreign torrents That rush down mountains with their roaring currents To seek a countrey God knows where and whither Whos 's unknown Name hath yet scarce sounded hither With Staff in Hand and Wallet on our Back From Town to Town to beg for all we lack T' have briefly nothing properly our own In all the World no not our Grave-place known Is 't possible I should endure to see The Sighs and Tears my Friends will shed for me O! can I thus my native Soil forsake O! with what Words shall I my Farewell take Farewell Chaldaea dear delights adue Friends Brothers Sisters Farewell all of But now these were motives too weak to break the Desires and designs of a Soul which God courteth It is a delicious thing to leave the streams for their source and to forsake our selves and Friends to give our selves unto our Maker Abraham understood all these veryties from the very morning of his voâ—ation and at the first overture of the savours which God imparted to him he took a Staff in his Hand and became a Pilgrm in the World suâ—â—iciently discovering that the life of Man is but a Pilgrimage and that a Man shall first or last reach to the Port. And now methiâ—kâ— the Sun doth not rise but to present unto him a thousand Portraictures of those whom he hath left behind The Moon and the Stars shew him by Night and in his sleep nothing but the Images of those whom he hath abandoned and he awakes a Thousand times with sighs from his Heart and tears in his Eyes to embrace the shadows and Phantasmes of his dearest Friends And now this poor man is not gone a Musket-shot from the City and scarce hath lost the sight of his steeple but he presently resumes his former wayes and returns with an intent to build his 〈…〉 rather his Tomb on his Chimney's 〈…〉 March then Abraham Carry with 〈…〉 Sara who makes up the moity of 〈…〉 till God shall please to give thee 〈…〉 be the Son and be thou a Father to 〈…〉 Farwell then for ever dear Land of 〈…〉 you Lot Abraham and Sara go joy 〈…〉 They are already gon and I see 〈…〉 out of the Territories of Sichem to 〈…〉 directly unt◠〈◊〉 plains of Moretâ— â—â—ere God a seconâ— time appeâ—red to Abrahâ—m and there also he gave him both 〈…〉 and possession of the Land of Canaan for himself and his posterity God in Mans shape appear'd to Abraham As he sought shelter from the Suns hot Flame Abraham feeds God with what good â—heer he could That Sara should bring forth a Child God told Is not this a most admirable draught of Gods sage prodigality and illustrious Magnificence who in exchange of a foot of ground gives intire Worlds He will have the Heart and for the Heart he gives himself and in him the Creator of Souls and the Soul of all Hearts Alas what is a corner of the Earth compared with the Land of promise What is a Countrey and City in respect of the Firmament And where shall we find Brethren Kindred or Friends without pretension interest or any suspition of deceipt as are found in Heaven It remains then for all thosâ— who he hath taken by the hand as he did Abraham and led them over the Banks of Iordan and through the shades of Hermon â—o build there an Altar on which they might offer Saâ—rifices of Love and Acknowledgments as Abrâ—â—am did CHAP. XII 〈…〉 account of the Voyages of 〈…〉 Sara into the Land of Egypt Gen. 12. 〈…〉 on and ' tho the Age And 〈◊〉 Terah slow'd his Pilgrimage The rest of his he 〈…〉 in sine To Canaan since called 〈◊〉 ABRAHAM now leaving his own Countrey instantly cast up his eyes and well resolv'd to follow God every where who served him for a Master a Conductor a Sanctuary and Countrey He left then the plains and valâ—ies to ascend the Mountains as still desireous alwaies to make new progresses and to advance without any intermission It is he then whom I see spreading his Pavillions on the top of a Mountain and erecting an Altar to invoke the name and assistance of God his Conductor Listen a while and hear from his Mouth the thoughts of his Soul Great God! I have forsaken all for thee and at the first command I received I obeyed the voice of thy most amiable providence at length bâ—holâ— me here out of my Countrey fâ—r from my own Possâ—ssiâ—ns and severed from my 〈◊〉 Friends I am igâ—orant where I am but â— only â—â—ow that I am with thâ—e It sufficeth me O my God all my desires are pleased and my Soul is fully sâ—â—iâ—fied Farewell all my Kâ—â—dred farewell my Frienâ—s fâ—rewell my Counâ—rey O my God! me tâ—â—nkâ— at evâ—ry stâ—p I make I Conquer a Kingdom all mâ— Guests are Kindred the little Hills are my Dungeons â—he Fâ—elds my Ciâ—iâ—s and all tâ—â—t the day discovers to 〈◊〉 of Earth of Rivers of Air and of Seas is my Countrey my House anâ— my plâ—â—e of Entertainment And now without further dâ—lay I leave the east to â—â—vance unto the South Now I no wayes doubt but our Pilgrim in his â—â—urneys towards the South â—eels also more resplenâ—â—nt ardors and more infired lightnings which 〈◊〉 him with more violent and more lively 〈◊〉 and designs Mean while a general â—amine came over all the â—and of Canaan in so much aâ—our hâ—ppy Traveller is â—â—forc'd to take a farther joâ—rney and to descend â—â—to Egypt This Man Wholy inlightn'd by God and who 〈◊〉 in the Bosome of his faithfull moity the 〈◊〉 and most holy flames of his Love beheld a far 〈◊〉 the smoak of a most dangerous fire and fearing 〈◊〉 his dear Sara should be there either by mishap 〈◊〉 force surprised he thought it hâ— to say unto her 〈◊〉 the manner following Abraham Dear Wife we are hâ—re on the Confines of â—â—ypt But yet I
〈◊〉 Land of Promise and in our Country where thou wilt 〈◊〉 us as flowâ—rs of Paradise and as so many slips of 〈…〉 Our Conquerours are already vanquished and all strangers are affrighted The Philistians already 〈…〉 all the Princes of 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 Fear hath 〈…〉 on the minds of the most Couragious and the 〈◊〉 even of 〈◊〉 are become as bodyes withâ—ut Soâ—ls or resentment 〈◊〉 them with fâ—ar and terrour whilst we shall 〈◊〉 with joy and delight into thy Sanctuary Meanâ—â—â—â—â— reign in the Ages of Ages and if it may be even â—â—yond Eternity For in fine Pharaoh is no more and 〈◊〉 all that he ever was there scarse remains so much as 〈…〉 of it and none but Mariners shall find some 〈◊〉 of those Chariots which shall be seen upon this 〈◊〉 where he intended to erect his Trophey his Throne 〈…〉 fairest hopes Well then my faithfull Companions let us sing victoâ—â— lâ—t us sing together you chast Virgins of Iudea 〈◊〉 Daughters of Sion holy Souls let us sing Canticles 〈◊〉 joy in honour of him who is our Redeemer Lucifer 〈◊〉 fallen from his Throne the Dragon is swallowed up in the billows of the Sea and all these Traytors who intended to drown us are overwhelmed with the waves and wherâ— they thought to gather Laurels and Pâ—lms they found nothing but an harvest over-spread with Cypres and a vast Sepulcher in the bottom of the Sea where they propâ—se to themselves to erect a Theater of 〈◊〉 and a field of Triumph On Jacob's Purchase How 〈◊〉 was Jacob's motion and how strange 〈…〉 how 〈…〉 was th' exchange 〈…〉 inheritance Why could not hungry Esau strive t'enhaunce His price a 〈◊〉 So much undâ—r foot Well might he give him broath and drink too boot An easie price the casâ— is ev'n our own For toys we often sell our Heaven our Crown On Esau. When hast thou 〈◊〉 Nay what shall Esau do Lâ—st both his Birth-right and his Blessing too 〈◊〉 hath poor Esau lâ—st but empty tears And plainâ—◠〈◊〉 cannot reach thâ— old Man's ears What wiâ—â— the Father 's Diâ—â— and thine own The Birth-right's 〈◊〉 and thy blessing 's gone How does one mischief overtake another In both how overtaken by a Brother Could their imperious stomach but have stay'd And if thy Father 's had not been delay'd Thou hadst not need have wept and pleaded so But kept thy Birth-right and thy Blâ—ssing too Had thy unprosperous thy unlucky hand Dispatch'd thy Ven'â—on as it did thy Land Thy sorrows had not made so great a heap That had not been so dear nor this so cheap Had thine giv'n place but to thy Father's will Th'adst thy Birth-right and thy Blessing still On Jacob's Pillow The Bed was Earth the raised Pillow Stonâ—s Whereupon poor Jacob rests his Head his Bones Heaven was his Canopie the 〈◊〉 of night Were his drawn Curtains to exclude the Light Poor state of Isaack's heir it seems to me His Cattle found as soft a Bed as he 〈◊〉 God appeared there his 〈◊〉 his Crown God us not alwayes seen in Beds of Doun O if that God shall please to make my Bed I care not where I râ—st my Bones my Head Wiâ—h thee 〈◊〉 wants can never prove extream With Jacob's Pillow give me Jacob's Dream On Zacheus Mâ—thinks I see with what a 〈…〉 Zacheus climd the Trâ—e But O how â—ast 〈◊〉 full of speed caâ—st thou imagine 〈◊〉 Our saviour call'd be powder'd down agen 〈◊〉 ne'r made tryal if the boughs were â—ound Or rotten nor how far 't was to the ground Tâ—â—re was no danger fear'd at such a Call He 'l venture nothing that dare fear to fall Needs must he down by such a Spirit driven Nor could he fall unlâ—ss he fell to Heaven Down came Zacheus ravisht from the Tree Bird that was shot ne'r dropt so quick as he Short Legg'd Zacheus 't was the happiest Tree That ever mortal clim'd I mean to thee Thy pains in going up received the Crown Of all thy labour at thy coming down Thy Statute's lowness gave thee fair occasion To mount that Tree that Tree to find Salvation But was 't the Tree Zacâ—eus No 't was he Whose â—leeding Body dy'd upon the Tree Wâ—ll clim'd Zacheus ' â—was a step wâ—ll giv'n From hence to thâ— Tree and from the Trâ—e to Heaven On Abraham's pleading for Sâ—dom â—ow â—â—ath was rightâ—ous Abraham to cease To â—eat the price of 〈…〉 pâ—ace Mâ—â—k how his hâ—ly boldness intercâ—pts Godâ—s Iustice brings his mercy down by steps He dares not biâ— so few as ten at â—irst Nor yet from fifty righteous pâ—rsons duâ—st Hiâ— zeal on sudden makâ— too great a fall Although he wisht Salâ—ation to them all 〈…〉 thy dying Son has Powâ—'r to clear A Woâ—ld of Sin tâ—at one shall not appear â—â—fâ—re thine angry Eyes What wonder then To sâ—e thee fall from fifty dâ—wn to ten On the Eâ—yptians Famine Mark but the course the pin'd Egyptians râ—n Wâ—en all thâ—ir Coiâ— when all their Corn is goâ— Thâ—y come to Iosâ—ph and their stomacks pleaâ— Thâ—y change their Beasts for Corn the I 〈…〉 Bread Yet still theâ— want Observe now what they 〈◊〉 They give their Lands yield their Bodies toâ— Now they have Corn enough and now they shâ—â— Have Seed to Sow their barren Soil withal Pâ—ovâ—ded that the fiâ—â—h of their Increase Be Pharoâ—'s Now their stomacks are at peaâ—â— Thus when the Famine of the World shall strike Our hungry Souls our Souls must do the like We first must part with as by their directions Our Flocks our Beasts our Bestial affections When they are gone and then must sinners do Give up their Lands their Souls and Bodies too O then our hearts shall be refresht and fed We shall have Seed to sow and present Bread Allowing but the fifth of our Increase We shall have plenty and our Souls have peace How art thou pleas'd good God that Man should live How slow art thou to take how free to give On Gods Law The sacred Law of God Is like to Moses Rod If we but keep it in our hand It will do wonders in the Land If we â—light and throw it to the ground 'T will turn a Serpent and inflict a Wound â— Wound that Flesh and Blood cannot endure Nor salve until the brazen Serpent cure I wish not Lord thou should'st withold it Nor would I have it and not hold it O teach me then my God To handle Moses Rod. On Balaam's Ass. â—he Ass that for her slowness was forbid â—o be imployed in God's service did â—erform good service now in being slow â—he Ass received stripes but would not go She baulk'd the way and Balaam could not guidâ— her The Ass had far more wisdom than the Rider The Message being bad the Ass was loath To be the bearer 't was a happy Sloth 'T was well for Balaam had his Ass but try'd Another step Balaam had surely dyâ—d Poor Ass And was thy faithful service pay'd With 〈◊〉 repeated stroâ—kes Haâ—'â—t
and I will answer brief to all you have proposed Q. S. With Ioy I would hear these Misteries unrevealed S. Then thus the great Work-master in six dayes having created Heaven and Earth Sea Beasts Birds fish Plant Men and every creeping thing that has the breath of Life nay all that we have ever heard of or beheld to show himself a God of order he set bounds to all his Creatures that they move harmonious and firm concord rest througout Creationâ— and in some cases suffers the superiour Bodies as made of matter more refined and nearer participating with Celestial substance by their influence to dispore and move inferiour qualities as the pale Moon predominant in waâ—ry things draws after her the Sympathizing Ocean making it to rise or fall as she ascends or descends in our Horrizon or in that deprest or as some take it under us though the World it self centered aâ—mits no under part but every part is uppermost that is Men travel with their Heads towards Heaven on the other side the Suns hot beams and fiery influences of the Stars insusing heat into the Earth and there it meeting with cold winds and watery damps convented in the vacant corners imbodying and mustering all its force the contrary Elements strive with each other and after long strugling with impetuous Fury rend the trembling globe to vent themselves again the fiery vapours flying upwards and not being able to Break through the Region armed with cold in order to unite with what 's above they headlong plunge into some interposing Cloud grown big with showers and shivering it into a thousand pieces fill the hollow Concaves with prodigious Thunders whilst the sallying fire dispersing vanishes As for those Shivering fires that are contracted as it were to warm the world to fly the wrath of angry Heaven they are composed of unctious oyly matter exhaled from Earth and Sea and fired by vehement Agitation or too near approaching the Aetherial fire that circles in the Air lasting no longer than the exhalation contracted or ascending feeds them being mostly in or this side the flaming Region Q. S. Great and mysterious are the words you relate but say are these the effects of second causes is not Nature most predominate in these contingencies S. The God of Nature as the great first mover it is true permits the course of things but orders and disposes by his over ruling providence as he sees fit allotting them their times and seasons nor is ought done without his high permission Q. S. Infini tely have you satisfied me hitheâ—to yet let me beg you would proceed to what remains that I may admire still more the donor of such wisdom S. As for the glorious Luminary to whom by the Creators own appointment is assigned the rule of the Day when it s all chearing Beams are screened in part from us and thrown Ascance behold the Moons dark Body which is never filled with lustre but borrowed light all her Silver Beauty is but a bare reflex interposing betwixt the prime Orb and us in the Ecliptick node nor can the Sun Beams be fully on us till that let 's removed by the various motions of these Planets the Moon in like manner wanting light is often screened from from the Suns bright Rayes by Earths ascending shade which does at certain times when the great Pâ—anets cross reach the concave of the lowest Orb and rob her of her pale reflection That the Sun Moon and other celestial Bodies continue a mistick dance 't is that their influence may pregnate Earth for Man-kinds benefits So that it is plain the great the wise Creator of the Universe has subserviated those glorious Bodies to the Terrean sedentary Globe which with far lesser labour might make its diurnal revolution and as it were on its soft Axels revolve with noiseless Motion Q. S. How strangely am I pleased at what I hear and could dwell upon this theam for ever admiring next to him that gave it him that possesses so great a share of Wisdom Thrice happy are all they that are under the Guidance of such a Monarch and more happy they that are attendant on you and have their delighted Ears still filled with knowledge S. Alas great Queen these high applauses are not mine I am but mortal Man and subject still to humane frailties If the eternal Fountain whence not only Wisdom but all other Graces flows has indued his Servant with an understanding Heart let all the Glory be ascribed to him who has enabled me to satisfie you in all your curiosities Q. S. Than be it so and henceforth shall the God of Jacob only be adored by her who has with Fear and Revâ—rence heard of his mighty wonders nor shall â—here blaze an Altar in my Kingdom to any power beside for he alone is God infinite and incomprehensible S. Bravely resolved and like a Queen whose Wisdom has hitherto appeared above her Sex and may that God whom Israel adores be ever propitious granting you Wisdom Honour length of dayes and crown you with a peaceful and happy Reign Q. S. All thanks be returned and may what you have wished return an hundred fold on your head the rest my presents soon shall speak S. See see the glorious Lamp of day sits on his meridian Throne and views at equal distance the smiling East and West 'T is time great Queen I wait on you to your repose Q. S. With joy I 'le be conducted by the wise the great the glorious King of Israel Conclusion Highly pleas'd great Sheba's Queen presents The King with Spices Gold and Ornaments And then from him again she does receive Such Presents as became a King to give When taking leave and blessing Iacobs Seed Well pleas'd she to her country does proceed Luke 16. v. 19 20 21 22 23. There was a certain rich man which was Cloathed in Purple and fine Linen and fared sumâ—tuously every day And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus which was laid at his Gate full of sores And desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich Mans Table moreover the Dogs came and licked his Sores And it came to pass that the beggar dyed and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosom the rich man also dyed and was buried And in 〈…〉 in torments and seeing Abraham 〈…〉 Lazarus in his bosâ—m c. A Paraphrase on St. Luke the 16th Chapter from the 19 〈◊〉 the end Being a real Scripture Dialogue between the most happy Lazarus and the tormented Dives To the Reader BEhold these Lines crave thy most solid view Since by the Scriptures they are proved true Dost thou want Riches here without all measure Is a most blessed stock of lasting Treasure This Heavenly Treasure will inrich thee more Than all the Jewels on the Indian shore Receive it joyfully and say no more Poor men rejoyce while rich men houl and cry Such is the pleasure of the Deity Then cease thy tears poor wretched soul and
fell on his neck and kissed him And the Son said unto him Father I have sinned against Heaven and in thy sight and am no more worthy to be called thy Son Take the Paraphrase upon the whole as followeth Viz. A certain Man had two Sons one whereof and he the Eldest continued always in his Family content with his provision subject to his Govern ment and in diligent Obedience to all his Commands But the other viz. the Younger Brother full of Juvinal heat and confidence and 〈◊〉 the Age of Discretion grows impatient of Restraint and desirous of Liberty especially fancying that he could live better to his own content and every whit as well provide for himself if he were at his own disposal Therefore he desires his Father to set him out his share and to put his Portion into his own hands and leave him to his own conduct The Father gratifies him in all his desires gives him his Portion and his Liberty which done the Son as if his Fathers presence or vicinage would put too great a restraint upon him and give check to his freedom he betakes himself to another Countrey where being in the height of Jollity amongst his Harlots and lewd Companions methinks I hear him speak to his own Heart after this manner following viz. O! sweet what rare felicity is here Where nought offends where all things fit appear Where Natures shop full furnish'd with supply Stands alwaies open to the Passers by My thoughts what think you of these Streams so clear My Senses can you not suck Honey here Affections can you here not feed desire And with contentment to the Heart retire Here are the Beds where sweetest Roses grow Here are the Banks where purest Streams do flow Here are the only Instruments of Mirâ—h Here are the only Iewels upon Earth My stragling thoughts then here set up your stay My striving Sences seek no richer prey Affections here your Fancies may be quieted My pleased Heart then rest thou here delighted But to proceed This Prodigal being now out of his Fathers Eye Reach and Controul he indulges himself in the highest surfeit of Licentiousness by which means in a short time whilst he enjoys the present took no care for the future the the stock his Father allotted him was utterly exhausted and with that his pleasures also fail the Roots that ministred to them being thus dryed up and where his pleasures end his cares begin For now he hath leasure to look about him and finds himself in a bad case having no course left but either to reurn to his Father and confessing his Folly and imploring his compassion or to put himself a Servant to a Stranger thereby to get a mean lively-hood the former of these he was yet loath to come to having not as he thought tryed sufficiently the folly of his own counsel and to take to himself the shame of his own ill conduct by so plain a retreat was thought a sharper calamity than any he yet felt therefore he resolved upon the latter as if the severities of a stranger were more tollerable than the reproâ—â—hes of a Father For he concluded a Man was not perfectly miserable that had no body to upbraid his Folly And now being in a strange Country he comforted himself with this that if he should find none to pity him he was sure there would be none could torture him with the g rating remembrance of what he was and might have been Well he becomes a Servant and he that could not brook the grave restraint of paternal Authority now feels the yoke of servile obedience for he is put to the base drudgery of feeding Swine and hath the coursest fair for his maintenance the Swine and he feed alike upon Husks only with this difference some body cares for the Hogs but nobody for the Slave and the former have enough of that which agrees with them but the latter is pinched with hunger having not allowance of that sordid diet answeraâ—le to the importunity of his needs Bâ—â—ng sorely afflicted with this he that formerly dreamed of nothing but sweets of liberty and the surfeits of voluptuousness and never once thought of those hungry Wolves Want and Necessity which now stand at his door after many a sad sigh discourses thus with himself Ah fool that I was who knew not when I was well that understood not contentment without satisfaction nor could take up with the substance but must grasp at shadows till I lost both that knew not what it was to be happy but by the sad experiment of becoming miserable that could not distinguish between the chastisements of a Father and the wounds of an Enemy nor believe but all yoaks were equal untill I was convinced by tryal that could not brook the Government and restraints of my Fathers Family though indeared by the reverence of my relation and sweetned by the benignity of his countenance and liberal provision for necessity and delight nor be satisfied of my Fathers wisdome but by the effects of my own rashness and folly Time was when I had the respect and dignity of a Son at home wha now find the contempt of a Servant abroad I was then put to no drudgery nor had other task than to serve the honour and interest of my Father and in so doing I consulted also my own for my duty and my happiness were then united but I am now put to the basest office to the vilest employment as if my drudgery were not so much imposed in order to my Masters profit as to my own contumely But that which comes nearer to me yet and pinches me very sore is that whereaâ— in my Fathers House I could neieher feel nor fear want I can now hope for nothing else there the meanest servant had bread not only to the full buâ— to superfluity much less was any thing wanting to me then a Son now the case is sadly altered I that seldom had so much hunger as might serve for sauce to the plenty of my Fathers Table feel now the difference between the liberal hand of a Father and the evil and nigardly eye of a hard master Oh the sweet fumes of Plenty and the gnawing pains of Wind and Emptiness And here methinks I hear him speaking to Extravigant and head-strong Youth in the following manner viz. Ah! wanton Youth take warning by my woes And see in me the summ of vain repose Which like a Bud Frost-bitten e're it blooms Appears but unto no perfection comes All Earthâ—â— Pleasures are but like a bubble Straight turn to nothing which were rais'd with trouble The fairest Faces soonest change their dye The sweetest Charmers are most apt to lye Thus mov'd with sorrows I may tell the same And make the world take notice of my shame But till I had experience of this woe No means could make me think it would be so But now I think upon my Father here Whose Fore-sight now I find exceeding clear He often told